Wireless Networking
Overview
Wireless networking introduces its own set of considerations beyond wired networking — signal bands, broadcast security, and guest network isolation.
Key concepts
- SSID
- 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz vs 6 GHz
- WEP vs WPA2 vs WPA3
- Guest networks
How it works
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology using radio signals to connect devices to a network without physical cables.
SSID
Service Set Identifier — the visible name of a wireless network.
Wi-Fi Bands
| Band | Range | Speed/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | Longer range, better wall penetration | More crowded, generally lower speeds. |
| 5 GHz | Shorter range | Faster speeds, less interference. |
| 6 GHz | Used by newer Wi-Fi standards | Additional capacity, reduced congestion. |
Wireless Security Standards
| Standard | Notes |
|---|---|
| WEP | Wired Equivalent Privacy — outdated and insecure. |
| WPA2 | Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 — protects Wi-Fi traffic using encryption. |
| WPA3 | Newer standard, improved protection for connections and passwords. |
Guest Network
A separate wireless network for visitors — provides internet access while keeping guest devices isolated from the primary network.